LATER PARTICULARS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 464, 19 April 1890, Page 5

LATER PARTICULARS.

New Plymouth, this day. A Maori named Mihi Kai was charged yesterday in the Police Court with the murder of Stephen Maloney, an old man found dead on Saturday afternoon on the Recreation Grounds. Inspector Pardy said the police had evidence that the accused was seen in the Recreation Ground on the day of the murder, though he strongly denied he had been there since Easter Monday. The police were collecting evidence that would go to prove that accused was seen coming from the grounds about the time the murder was supposed to have been committed. He asked for accused to be remanded till Monday next. In the meantime the inquest could be held and perhaps additional light would be thrown on the deed. Accused was remanded. A handkei chief was found on the prisoner, which, it was thought, might afford a clue, as the deceased was supposed to have one identical; but this proved incorrect, as the handkerchief could hot be identified. Prom further evidence it appeared that the prisoner has been spending money somewhat freely since the time of the murder, and it was known he had not money before. He has, so far, failed to satisfactorily account for the money. He says his father in Parihaka sent it to him, but this is not believed, as he has made several different statements,. another one being that his brother gave him the money. It is now thought probable that the deceased had several pounds in his possession at the time of the murder, as a few days ago he offered to lend a person £5, the offer, however, nob being accepted. The police have ascertained that a girl going to the High School on Friday met a Maori in the Recreation Ground. The prisoner has not yet been identified by the curl, as she has not seen him since his arrest. She will be taken to the policestation for the purpose of identifying him.

LATEST.

New Plymouth, April 16. The police are very active trying to collect evidence as to who murdered Maloney in the Recreation Ground. At present there is not sufficient, to connect the Maori with the deed. Various rumours are afloat, and one is to the effect that the real murderer immediately left town. Another is that a tramp had been arrested at Inglewood, but there is no truth in them. It is thought that the wrong man was killed by the murderer, for Maloney was a harmless man and very poor. Several constables are in the outdistricts making inquiries as to men who arrived there on Friday last.